Ruben Amorim marked his debut victory as Manchester United's manager with a nail-biting 3-2 comeback win over Bodo/Glimt during their UEFA Europa League clash at Old Trafford, filling the legendary stadium with elation and anxiety from the fans and players alike. This match, held on November 28, 2024, not only secured Amorim's first win at the helm but also demonstrated the potential the team possesses to turn games around under his guidance.
From the first minute, United showed promises of attacking vigor, culminating in Alejandro Garnacho's goal just 50 seconds in. The Norwegian side's goalkeeper, Nikita Haikin, made the costly mistake of losing possession under pressure from Rasmus Hojlund, paving the way for Garnacho to score from close range. It was the perfect start for Amorim, who was greeted with enthusiasm from the home crowd, their support palpable as they welcomed their new manager.
Yet, the jubilation soon turned to concern as Bodo/Glimt rallied back. Within minutes, the visitors flipped the script with two quick goals, leaving United trailing 2-1 by the 24th minute. Hakon Evjen leveled the score with a well-placed shot and Philip Zinckernagel capitalized on defensive miscommunications by the hosts to give Bodo the lead. Watching the events unravel during those frantic minutes had to feel like walking on eggshells for Amorim, who admitted later, "I get anxious because I don’t know what will happen — we are trying to see different things."
Unfazed, the Red Devils regrouped after halftime, with United's forward, Rasmus Hojlund, ensuring the team's resilience shone through. Showing remarkable skill and determination, Hojlund equalized right at the end of the first half after receiving a clever assist from Noussair Mazraoui. This goal injected confidence back to the team, who appeared to spark with renewed energy and tactical coherence as they went back onto the pitch.
Shortly after the break, Hojlund showcased why he has quickly become one of United's shining stars, netting again within five minutes to give the home team the lead once more. His performance not only emphasized his capabilities but also reinforced Amorim's tactics, which revolves around utilizing aggressive, high-pressing play from the front.
Despite holding the lead for the majority of the second half, the match was far from comfortable for the Manchester side. United squandered several opportunities to extend their lead with both Garnacho and substitute Marcus Rashford failing to convert during the final minutes leading to the full-time whistle. The end of the match felt tense as Bodo/Glimt continued to threaten, pushing for another equalizer, forcing United's goalkeeper, Andre Onana, to perform heroics to preserve the lead.
At the final whistle, the relief was evident on Amorim’s face. After the full-time whistle, the Portuguese tactician expressed satisfaction with some players’ performance, particularly highlighting Hojlund as someone who stepped up to the occasion. Still, he noted there’s plenty of ground to cover: "We improved different things since the last game... but we should kill the game before the end," he lamented, emphasizing the need for the squad to refine their conversion of opportunities.
Throughout the game, Amorim not only showcased tactical adaptations but also exhibited reactions common to managers grappling with new dynamics including competitive fixtures and player fitness. Adjustments were necessary, with multiple substitutions executed to maintain energy levels, highlighting the injuries from the previous management period. Notably, Tyrell Malacia, returning to the lineup after 550 days sidelined due to knee surgery, was subbed off at half-time, emphasizing the physical demands placed on players within Amorim's plans.
Looking forward, experts anticipate the transition era for United could be filled with promise albeit underlined by anxiety. Amorim’s struggle to implement his structure amid fixture congestion highlights the extent to which physical limits must be balanced with the team’s newfound tactical freedom. During the post-match conference, he checked the pulse of claims surrounding his methods saying, "The mindset is keeping the ball," indicating the importance of possession-based football for his tactical identity.
Football pundits have already started betting on Hojlund as being pivotal to Amorim's success at United moving forward. After his brace against Bodo, his ability to adapt and connect with players during transitions appears to make him the kind of player needed to execute Amorim’s vision. "He did a great job today," Amorim confirmed, but he also reminded him of the areas where he can still grow, underlining the delicate balance between praise and constructive feedback necessary at this level.
Still, the blue-and-red faithful at Old Trafford left the ground buoyed by this victory, hopeful of the capabilities their new manager may bring. The match, filled with both highs and lows, delivered on many fronts, offering glimpses of what could be as Amorim settles himself and his philosophy within this storied club. With fixtures piling up quickly, including the Premier League tie against Everton on the horizon, his ability to handle both the pressure and expectations may very well dictate how the rest of this season develops.
